"Back in the USAF...."

Our year out of the Air Force is ending. Soon we will be right back in the center of fighter-pilot life, probably deeper than ever before, immersed in Air Force culture.

I’ve been kind of worried about it because I’ve so enjoyed a regular life here…I’ve only seen Kevin in uniform a few times, gone to few military events, and we have not built our life around a flying schedule….

Life has been “normal,” and has had a nice, even pace.

Well the USAF Thunderbirds were in town this weekend, and on Saturday night one of them coaxed me out of my planned evening of wine and a movie alone at home (Kevin is out of town), to the Irish pub down the street where they were all meeting. I told myself I’d have a quick Guinness, see them all, and get back home and in bed at a reasonable hour. As soon as I walked in I knew that wasn’t going to happen….

Say what you want about the Air Force, we do know how to take care of our own. Those guys were up out of their seats, loving me up in two seconds. We shut the place down chatting about their careers, wives, babies, my life, our plans and, of course, catching up on gossip. I got some care, gave a little, and had some real conversation.

It was great, and felt a little like home, a little like family, and well, I needed it.

I needed it to remind myself that along with all the stuff I’ll have to deal with in the next assignment, the stuff I’ve been worried about, there’s a whole bunch of stuff that I’ll want to deal with, that I’ll enjoy. Without a doubt I will get to once again be a part of a really great circle of people.

It also reminded me how I got through our own difficult Thunderbird assignment…by connecting easily and often with these friends who came through town who get the lifestyle, who know it can be difficult, and know it's standard to take care of each other. We always at least have that in common....

So…I will enjoy the next month here, absolutely savor our five weeks on the beach in Florida, and then on the drive west look forward to knowing and caring for all those who will also know and care for me, because that's a given.

It will be okay. It might even be more than okay…it might be a really great time.